Read Full Issue - Parkinson`s Disease Foundation
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Read Full Issue - Parkinson`s Disease Foundation
Summer 2015 PDF Announces New Research Investments At the heart of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) strategy to solve, treat and end Parkinson’s disease (PD), are its scientific grants. We fund leading research centers and scientists who can help bring us closer to achieving these goals. In selecting our investments, we must determine which ones provide the best return — which, for PDF, means those that have the greatest likelihood of improving lives and futures for people touched by Parkinson’s disease. To make these decisions, we open up competitive applications, accepting ideas from scientists around the world. Then, we continue with review of those applications by our Scientific Advisory Board, made up of scientists who bring experience from the lab; neurologists specializing in PD who bring expertise from the clinic; and people with PD who bring the expertise of living with the disease and a personal understanding of which problems need solutions. IN THIS ISSUE 2 | Letter from Leadership 3|A Research Dream Team Discovers the Power of Saying Thank You 4 | More Than Meets the Eye: Managing Vision Symptoms of PD 9 | Meet the Newest Members of PDF’s Advisory Council 10 | How You Made a Difference During Parkinson’s Awareness Month 11 | PDF News & Events Each year, we are asked why PDF takes this approach to funding science. Why not fund research into one new theory about PD ? The answer is simple: diversification. Too often, we have seen the latest theories on PD crumble. For example, we were all disappointed to learn that two excellent ideas — targeting mitochondria with antioxidants and stopping LRRK2 genes with drugs — were not successful. That isn’t to say that the ideas shouldn’t be studied — in fact, each failure teaches us valuable lessons. But each failure also clearly demonstrates that none of us — even the world’s most brilliant minds — know exactly how and when that cure will be found. In the meantime, similar to a sound financial strategy, PDF diversifies our risk — supporting a variety of creative ideas, rather than putting all of our (and your) eggs into one basket. We know that many ideas will fail, while just one or two will be the ones to point us toward better treatments and a cure. We take seriously the trust you place in us, and we invite you to see how we are investing your dollars by browsing pages 6 and 7. Stay tuned for additional funding announcements throughout the year. >> Read more on page 6 Science News | Progress for Potential Neuroprotective Therapy In a small study, researchers in Sweden have shown that applying a growth factor called PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) directly to the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is safe and well-tolerated. Researchers do not yet know if it is effective in easing Parkinson’s, but their results open the door to future testing. The study was published on March 2 in The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Growth factors such as PDGF are proteins that are thought to hold promise as PD therapies because of their ability to help neurons — such as >> Read more on page 8 Breath Test Shows Promise for Distinguishing Parkinsonian Disorders A relatively simple breath test may one day help diagnose Parkinson’s disease (PD) and distinguish the disease from disorders with similar symptoms, according to a study published in the February issue of Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. Doctors diagnose PD mainly by studying and interpreting a person’s movement symptoms. However, it can be difficult to distinguish classic Parkinson’s disease from other PD-like conditions, such as Parkinson’s plus syndromes — especially during the early stages of the disease. Researchers led by >> Read more on page 8 www.pdf.org Letter from Leadership Dear Friends: How do we capture rising stars in science and encourage them to focus their attention on Parkinson’s disease (PD)? This is a question that the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) — in its long quest to help solve, treat and end PD — has been evaluating since its creation more than 60 years ago. “[We] need to capture rising stars before they drift away from the field for lack of career options.” Robin Elliott In fact, PDF’s focus on catching rising stars in PD is the reason why we have prioritized funding for the training of early-career neurologists — more than 100 of them over the years — in Parkinson’s disease research and care. It is also the reason we have supported the research of more than 250 early-career basic scientists over the same period. Recently, PDF took a new look at the life-cycle of a Parkinson’s scientist. At once, we saw the need to capture rising stars before they drift from the field for lack of career options. And we realized that we must do more. The facts are startling. We reviewed data that traced careers of scientists from the time they enter graduate school — whether for medicine or for basic science — to the time they receive their first research In Our Inbox grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We found that between 1980 and today, the average age at which scientists received their first NIH grants went up nearly 10 years — from the mid-30s to the mid-40s. Not only that, but among all scientists who receive major NIH support, the percentage who are “young” (35 years and under) at the time of their first grant dropped from 12 percent in 1980 to almost zero today. Such changes have redefined the definition of an “early career” scientist. They have also meant a sharp increase in the burden on the scientists themselves, who want to stay in the field of PD but simply cannot afford to wait out the time that may never come. It is a “valley of death,” a time during which scientists decide whether to stay in research or to take an alternative path. The strain is such that we are losing some of the brightest minds from the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This is the backdrop to PDF’s increased commitment of funds to support young scientists through the “valley of death” period (see page 7). If we are to have a chance of keeping the people we need to lead Parkinson’s research in the next generation, we can do no less. Sincerely, Robin Anthony Elliott President PDF Community Choice Research Awards: Voters Weigh In Dystonia is important for researchers to study because it has such a big impact on function and quality of life. I wonder: if the topic is researched, could the timeline for finding better treatments be shortened? Cindy Bittker, Hull, MA Every person with PD fears cognitive impairment. If you cannot count on your brain to support you, you feel like you have lost some of yourself. My priority is for PD researchers to study cognition so we can find strategies for keeping our brains as healthy as possible. Diane Cook, Denver, CO My priority is for researchers to study palliative care in its true definition — care that begins at PD diagnosis and continues through death. We need better ways of offering education, support, and properly managed care, from the moment someone is diagnosed until the very end of life. Kirk Hall, Denver, CO I would like researchers to study palliative care to help answer specific questions such as, “how can we accurately predict when during the progression of Parkinson’s, palliative care and hospice care will be needed?” Gil Thelen, Tampa, FL Apathy is my priority for PD researchers. The knowledge that it is a symptom of PD has been an important step for me in fighting it, but it is still a daily struggle. We need scientists to help us find ways of identifying, measuring and overcoming it. A.C. Woolnough, Sandpoint, ID [Note from the editor: PDF opened the Community Choice Research Awards survey during April to get your feedback on research priorities. Stay tuned later this year, when we choose two topics suggested by the PD community and fund scientists with $20,000 research grants to study them. See full responses from the individuals above by visiting blog.pdf.org. PDF thanks its People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council and the ProjectSpark Foundation for their support and partnership on this initiative.] Coming Soon Occupational Therapy: Across the PD Continuum Thursday, December 3, Dallas, TX and online A professional course designed by and for occupational therapists. CEUs available. [email protected] | (800) 457-6676 2 | PAR K IN SO N ’S D IS E A S E F O U NDAT I O N Share comments and suggestions with the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation at 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018, [email protected] or (800) 457-6676. Spotlight on Research | A Research Dream Team Discovers The Power of Saying Thank You How would you answer if you were asked, “who is advancing the science of Parkinson’s disease (PD)?” You might begin by talking about the scientists who are doing the difficult work of seeking new treatments and a cure. But what about the people who live with PD and their care partners? After all, these individuals are in their own way experts who understand what it is really like to live with Parkinson’s day in and day out. PDF believes that when these two kinds of experts work together — the scientists who study PD and the people who live with it — they become a research “dream team” that can more quickly solve, treat and end PD. This seems to be the case for one team that includes researchers Patricia Ede, R.N., and Martha Nance, M.D., of Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minneapolis, MN, and Kim Erickson and Libbe Erickson, R.N., PDF Research Advocates from Stillwater, MN (Kim lives with PD). Last year, PDF awarded the team a Parkinson’s Advocates in Research (PAIR) Leadership Award to conduct a small clinical study entitled Participant Retention in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Clinical Studies. Using a grant of $5,000, they pondered a central question in PD science: why don’t more people volunteer for PD trials, when the lack of participants delays studies and in turn, the development of treatments? Instead of simply asking, “why can’t we attract more people?” they asked, “what motivates the people who do participate?” What can we learn about them that may help us encourage more people to participate, thus speeding research? To find the answer, Pat developed a survey with the help of Catherine Wielinski, M.P.H., Research Director at Struthers, and Kim and Libbe used their insights to modify it, making it easy to read and complete. They sent it to 65 people who had completed studies at Struthers. “The overall goal was to find out which factors would make people enroll, stay in or drop out of PD studies. The factors we looked at included demographics (gender, age, ethnicity); distances that people had to travel; their motivations; and which parts of study participation they found rewarding or difficult,” said Kim. Kim and Libbe’s input paid off — a remarkable 80 percent of people returned their surveys. So, why did people stay in studies? Was it for access to medical care or researchers, or for any kind of compensation? “The results were surprising,” says Libbe. “When we asked people what kept them in studies, overwhelmingly, they said it was because they felt they were giving back.” The team admits that its study is small and has limitations. For instance, the people who did not participate About PAIR Leadership Awards • Support projects conducted by teams of researchers and patient advocates that have the potential to accelerate PD research. • In 2014, PDF supported four PAIR Leadership Awards with $20,000. They supported researcherpatient teams studying clinical trial retention (profiled here), telemedicine, the benefits of singing for PD, and strategies for building PD researcherpatient collaborations. • Application period is rolling and is open now. PDF believes that bringing together the two kinds of experts in Parkinson’s — those who study it and those who live with it — will help us to more quickly solve, treat and end Parkinson’s disease. To see a video of Kim and Libbe discussing this study, visit www.pdf.org/youtube. From left to right: Martha Nance, M.D.; Kim Erickson; Libbe Erickson, R.N.; Patricia Ede, R.N. weren’t surveyed. Might it have been that their decision had to do with economic hardship or inability to find transportation? Still, the results were eye opening. “We expect that the responses will provide researchers, funders and participants with potential insights into study design and incentives to help participants stay in PD studies,” says Pat. “In fact, the results helped our team at Struthers to recognize the impact of simply saying ‘thank you’ to participants at each visit. It can make a difference.” Not only did the dream team provide insight into PD trials, they learned from each other’s expertise. “Kim and Libbe are an integral part of our team. We depend on their insight in our research endeavors,” noted Pat. Kim added, “By working closely with researchers, we have learned how dedicated they are to finding a cure and treatments for PD. Their commitment to helping people with PD is truly astounding.” Experts with the same goal — a dream team after all. SU M M ER 2 015 PD F NE WS & REVIEW | 3 More Than Meets the Eye: Managing the Vision Symptoms of PD By Daniel Gold, D.O. Do you, or does a person you know who lives with Parkinson’s disease (PD), experience problems with vision? Maybe it is difficult to see in the rain, or maybe it’s that colors seem less vibrant. Perhaps the eyes feel drier than usual. We do not usually think of issues like these as part of Parkinson’s, which is known primarily as a movement disorder. However, the fact is that they can be a part of the disease, and can affect everyday activities like driving and reading. Fortunately, most vision symptoms of PD are fairly easy to diagnose — and easy to treat. The Eye-Brain Connection in PD How does a neurological disease like Parkinson’s affect vision? The front Daniel Gold, D.O. of the eye is only the beginning of the complex system that allows us to see. After light enters the front of the eye, images are focused onto the back — that is, the retina. From there, the optic nerve carries visual information to the brain. In PD, changes in the eyeball itself, as well as changes in its connections to the brain, can lead to vision issues. For a person with PD to maintain healthy vision, it is important to undergo an annual eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to catch issues early on (see box on page 5). “The most important thing is to have an annual eye exam and follow any tips that are suggested by the doctor.” Common Vision Issues in PD Most people with PD have normal or near-normal vision. However, they may experience a variety of bothersome issues which, together, can impact visual function. Here are some of the common ones. Central and Color Vision As we age, our ability to perceive contrast diminishes, and this impairment can be more severe in people who have PD. Many people with PD may have trouble seeing fine details — for example, seeing signs when driving, or while reading or watching TV. These complaints can be present even for people whose vision tests are normal during a routine eye exam. Examples of contrast vision impairment include blurring of the edges of objects such as stairs, which can lead to a missed step or a fall, or difficulty seeing clearly at night. In addition, a person with PD may find that colors seem less vibrant. It turns out that some cells in the retina rely on levodopa, the precursor to dopamine that gets 4 | PAR K IN SO N ’S D IS E A S E F O U NDAT I O N depleted in PD. When this occurs, the results can include dullness of color vision and poor contrast vision. Unfortunately, there is no good treatment for color vision issues. To address contrast vision impairment, first take care of any other eye health issues, and then ensure that the prescription for eyeglasses is correct. People with PD who experience balance problems should avoid using progressive, bifocal and trifocal lenses. People with poor balance rely heavily on vision and tend to look down while walking. If they are wearing progressives or bi/trifocals, and use the reading (bottom) portion of their glasses to follow their feet, the visual correction at that distance will be incorrect. This can lead to disorientation and aggravate balance issues, leading to falls. Eye Movement In daily life, when we need to keep our eyes focused on an object as it moves closer to us, we use a process known as convergence. It is common for people with PD to have trouble doing so because of “convergence insufficiency.” They may experience double vision, headaches, eyestrain or blurred vision. While reading, they may lose their place, feel tired, or find that words appear to move on the page. Or they may need to constantly adjust the distance of reading material from the eyes. A neurologist, ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist can diagnose convergence insufficiency and other eye movement disorders, and prescribe a therapy. One such therapy consists of home exercises known as “pencil push-ups” — holding a pencil at arm’s length and bringing it to the nose, while trying to keep the tip in focus. A quick fix for convergence issues experienced with reading is to cover one eye, or to put Scotch tape over one lens of reading glasses, so only one eye is used at a time. Another option involves the use of prisms placed in reading glasses (not distance glasses). People with PD may receive a recommendation for vision therapy for ocular motor dysfunction. While evidence supports its efficacy for convergence insufficiency, there is no evidence it helps other eye issues. It can be expensive and is sometimes not covered by insurance; so be wary of what is being treated and covered. The James Parkinson Legacy Society “W PDF like I did, you support Parkinson’s for the next generation. hen you make a planned gift to their mission to end ” Jean Dewdney, member Contact PDF today to discuss your planned giving options. (800) 457-6676 | [email protected] | www.pdf.org/planned_gift Understanding Parkinson’s | Other common eye movement abnormalities in PD include impairments in processes known as saccades and smooth pursuit. Saccades are the quick eye movements a person makes, for example, to switch focus from one bird in the sky to another. In PD, saccades tend to undershoot the intended target. Smooth pursuit refers to slow eye movements involved in tracking objects, for example, following a bird as it flies across the sky, and in PD it may be more choppy than smooth. There are no good treatments for these issues, but they are usually very subtle. Blinking and Dry Eye Keeping the front of the eye moist is essential for good vision. Tears help the eye to see clearly, stay protected and move freely. Blinking helps squeeze out tears and distribute them in a moist layer on the eye. With PD, people tend to produce fewer tears and blink less often. Some of the medications that are used to treat PD — for example, trihexyphenidyl (Artane®) — can contribute to dry eye. The problem may be exacerbated further by health issues, such as menopause or autoimmune disease. Other culprits include contact lenses, effects of eye surgeries and allergies. The result is that people with PD often have symptoms of irritation on the surface of the eye — dry eyes, a gritty or sandy feeling, burning, redness or crusting on the lashes. These problems can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The first line of treatment is to use artificial tears (eye drops — preferably, preservative free) three or four times a day and more in addition as needed (e.g., while reading or watching television). If the problem is serious, the eye care professional may advise a prescription medication. For inflamed eyelids known as blepharitis, your doctor may recommend using hot compresses or lid scrubs (a liquid or pre-packaged pad that you place on the eye) to ease discomfort and keep the eye clear. Less Common Vision Changes in PD Some people with PD experience visual hallucinations as part of the disease. Usually hallucinations are not threatening; for example, a person might see a cat out of the corner of the eye. They occur more often in people with PD who experience daytime sleepiness, insomnia or cognitive difficulties, and among those whose PD is advanced. Almost all PD medications are able to produce or exacerbate hallucinations, although amantadine, pramipexole (Mirapex®), rotigotine (Neupro®) and ropinirole (Requip®) are the biggest culprits. People with mild hallucinations can often be helped with reassurance. If hallucinations are moderate to severe, medications should Vision Care Professionals An ophthalmologist or optometrist can diagnose and treat most vision difficulties that affect people with PD, and refer you to a neuro-ophthalmologist if further evaluation is needed. • Optician: Not a doctor; makes glasses. • Optometrist (O.D.): four years of optometry school after college; examines eyes, does vision tests, prescribes glasses and certain medications. • Ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.): a doctor with four years of medical school, plus four additional years of ophthalmology training; diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes and fits glasses. • Neuro-ophthalmologist (M.D. or D.O.): a neurologist or ophthalmologist (training in either neurology or ophthalmology and then fellowship training in neuro-ophthalmology) who specializes in diseases that affect the visual pathways connecting the eyes to the brain, disorders of the eye muscles or nerves that can cause double vision or other symptoms, eyelid issues, jumping vision or nystagmus, pupillary abnormalities, among others. be evaluated and people with PD and their doctors can consider adding a medication to ease hallucinations. Lastly, there is literature to suggest that people with PD may be at higher risk for certain non-neurologic eye diseases — a type of cataract called “posterior subcapsular cataract,” and primary open-angle glaucoma. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect these conditions. Keeping the Vision Clear What can a person with PD do to maintain good vision and ease the symptoms discussed above? The most important thing is to have an annual eye exam and follow any tips that are suggested by the doctor. This means that symptoms will be addressed early on to ensure the best quality of life. Good vision is essential to doing the things we want and need to do and luckily, most vision difficulties in PD can be easily diagnosed and treated. Daniel Gold, D.O., is Assistant Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery and Otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He presented this topic as a PD ExpertBriefing, which is available online at www.pdf.org/parkinsononline. SU M M ER 2 015 PD F NE WS & REVIEW | 5 New PDF Research Investments | Continued from page 1 PDF Research Centers $1,661,150 Allow talented scientists to collaborate on basic, translational and clinical research. Columbia University Medical Center Un Jung Kang, M.D., Principal Investigator Roy N. Alcalay, M.D., M.S. Robert E. Burke, M.D. Lorraine N. Clark, Ph.D. Stanley Fahn, M.D. Blair Ford, M.D. Jill S. Goldman, M.S., M.Phil. Lloyd A. Greene, Ph.D. Sheng-Han Kuo, M.D. Oren Levy, M.D., Ph.D. Elan D. Louis, M.D., M.Sc. Karen Marder, M.D., M.P.H. Pietro Mazzoni, M.D., Ph.D. Eugene Mosharov, Ph.D. Serge Przedborski, M.D., Ph.D. Seth L. Pullman, M.D. Yaakov Stern, Ph.D. David Sulzer, Ph.D. Jean Paul G. Vonsattel, M.D. Cheryl H. Waters, M.D. Ai Yamamoto, Ph.D Jennifer G. Goldman, M.D., M.S. Deborah A. Hall, M.D., Ph.D. Katie Kompoliti, M.D. Jeffrey H. Kordower, Ph.D. Leo Verhagen-Metman, M.D., Ph.D. T. Celeste Napier, Ph.D. Kalipada Pahan, Ph.D. Kathleen M. Shannon, M.D. Glenn T. Stebbins, Ph.D. Dustin R. Wakeman, Ph.D. Rush University Medical Center Christopher G. Goetz, M.D., Principal Investigator Brandon R. Barton, M.D., M.S. Bryan A. Bernard, Ph.D. Cynthia L. Comella, M.D. PDF International Research Grants $330,000 Promote innovative research that has high potential to advance knowledge of Parkinson’s. Novel Insights into the Properties and Fate of Naturally Secreted Alpha-synuclein* Georgia Sotiropoulou, Ph.D., University of Patras, Greece Striatal CaV1.3 Calcium Channel Silencing as a Neuroprotective Target for Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias* Kathy Steece-Collier, Ph.D., and Fredric P. Manfredsson, Ph.D., Michigan State University Neuroprotection by XPro1595 in a Chronic MPTP Monkey Model of Parkinson’s Disease* Malú Tansey, Ph.D., and Yoland Smith, Ph.D., Emory University Dysfunctional Signaling Mechanism of Neurotransmission in Parkinson’s* Zhenyu Yue, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai PDF Advancing Parkinson’s Treatments Grants $325,000 Facilitate the movement of treatments from “bench to bedside.” Innovations Awards | $150,000 Parkinson Study Group Michael Schwarzschild, M.D., Ph.D., and Hubert Fernandez, M.D. Meeting Sponsorship | $115,000 Gordon Research Conference on PD | $100,000 Emerging Research in the Etiology and Pathogenesis of a Complex Disease David Sulzer, Ph.D., and Andrew Singleton, Ph.D., Columbia University Medical Center and National Institutes of Health Van Andel Institute Grand Challenges in PD | $3,000 Patrik Brundin, M.D., Ph.D., Van Andel Institute Fostering New Directions in PD Research: Movement Disorders Course for Graduate and Postdoctoral Students and Junior Neurologists | $10,000 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair Conference | $2,000 Michael Modo, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh * Denotes a second year of funding ** Denotes second year of funding of a three-year award 6 | PAR K IN SO N ’S D IS E A S E F O U NDAT I O N Conference Awards | $60,000 Global Force PD: Cell Based Therapies for PD Claire Henchcliffe, M.D., D.Phil., Lorenz Studer, M.D., and Viviane Tabar, M.D., Weill Cornell Medical College and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center PDF will support two conferences on topics identified through the annual Community Choice Research Awards survey. Topics are being considered by the PDF Scientific Advisory Board at the time of printing. PDF Research | PDF Fellowship and Career Development Awards $983,000 Prepare leaders in Parkinson’s research and clinical practice. Clinical Training Fellowships | $390,500 Columbia University Medical Center Shabbir Hussan I. Merchant, M.D., Lan Luo, M.D., Madeleine Sharp, M.D., Miriam Sklerov, M.D. Rush University Medical Center Meagan Bailey, M.D., Ian O. Bledsoe, M.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellowships | $300,000 Alpha-synuclein Aggregation Causes Toxicity by Decreasing Functional Forms of the Protein Matthew Benskey, Ph.D., Mentor: Fredric P. Manfredsson, Ph.D., Michigan State University The Effects of Neuronal Activity on Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Individual Dopaminergic Neurons Dominik Haddad, Ph.D., Mentor: Ken Nakamura, M.D., Ph.D., Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco Mechanisms for the Modulation of Striatonigral and Striatopallidal Neuron Activity by Phosphodiesterase 10A Inhibition in L-DOPA-induced Dyskinesia Fernando Padovan-Neto, Ph.D., Mentor: Anthony R. West, Ph.D., Rosalind Franklin University Deciphering the Mechanism of Action of Parkin Using a Structure-based FRET-reporter System Matthew Tang, Ph.D., Mentor: Edward Fon, M.D., Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Novel Deep Brain Stimulation Paradigms on Treating Parkinsonian Non-human Primates and the Underlying Physiological Plasticity Jing Wang, Ph.D., Mentor: Jerrold Vitek, M.D., Ph.D., University of Minnesota Phosphorylated Alpha-synuclein Peptides as Biomarkers of Parkinson’s Disease Li Yang, Ph.D., Mentor: Jing Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., University of Washington Collaborative Fellowships | $142,500 PDF-AANI Clinician-Scientist Development Award | $52,500 (In partnership with the American Academy of Neurology Institute) Parkin Overexpression as a Therapeutic Strategy** Amber Van Laar, M.D., Mentor: J. Timothy Greenamyre, M.D., Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Medical Center PDF-PSG Mentored Clinical Research Award | $50,000 (Funded by a grant from PDF to the Parkinson Study Group) Comparative Evaluation of Data-driven Parkinson’s Disease Subtypes for Clinical Research Tiago Mestre, M.D., M.Sc., Mentor: Connie Marras, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Ph.D., University of Ottawa PDF-HHMI Year-Long Medical Research Fellows Program | $40,000 (In partnership with Howard Hughes Medical Institute) Correlation of SIRT6 Expression with Differential Vulnerability of Dopaminergic Neurons to Pathology in Normal Aging and Parkinson’s Disease Alireza Samiei, Mentor: Mel Feany, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School Stanley Fahn Research Fellowships | $100,000 Two years of research support for top-ranked applicants to the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program. Functional Analysis of Dopamine-dependent Circuits Activity in Parkinson’s Disease* Nan Li, Ph.D., Mentor: Alan Jasanoff, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology In Vivo Modulation of Alpha-synuclein Phosphorylation: Tracking Aggregates in the Living Mouse Brain Kateri Spinelli, Ph.D., Mentor: Vivek Unni, M.D., Ph.D., Oregon Health & Science University Summer Student Fellowships | $40,000 Palliative Care in PD: A Mixed Methods Analysis Project Isabel Boersma, M.S., Mentor: Benzi Kluger, M.D., M.S., University of Colorado School of Medicine Investigating Clinical and Pathological Differences in Parkinson’s Disease and Related Alpha-synucleinopathies via Immunohistochemistry Hannah Bucklin, Mentor: Virginia M.-Y. Lee, Ph.D., Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Evaluation of Striatal Expression for AGTR1 in the Striato Nigral Pathway Julia Cha, Mentor: Ann Graybiel, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Role of Glutaredoxin 2 in Mitochondrial Integrity and Dopaminergic Protection in C. elegans Model of PD Pierce Curran, Mentor: Shu Chen, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Testing the Protective Ability, Mechanism, and Stability of Guanabenz Derivatives for Potential Use in Parkinson’s Disease-Targeted Neuroprotective Therapy David Dai, Mentor: Lloyd A. Greene, Ph.D., Columbia University Medical Center Effects of Inosine on Blood Glutathione in SURE-PD Trial Daniel Di Luca, Mentor: Michael Schwarzschild, M.D., Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital Evaluating c-Abl Phosphorylation of Parkin in Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease Preston Ge, Mentor: Ted Dawson, M.D., Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Regulation of LRRK2 Activity Through PIRB William Pan, Mentor: Zhenyu Yue, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Gastric Administration of Paraquat and Lectins Linked to the Parkinsonian-like Gastric Dysmotility in Rats Michael Skolka, Mentor: R. Alberto Travagli, Ph.D., Penn State Hershey College of Medicine Role of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Blink Suppression Maryam Vaseghi-Shanjani, Mentor: Robert Chen, M.A., M.B.BChir., M.Sc., F.R.C.P.C., Toronto Western Research Institute Student Travel Awards | $10,000 A Common Genetic Variant Is Associated with Altered HLA Expression and Parkinson’s Keystone Symposia: Neuroinflammation in Diseases of the Central Nervous System George Kannarkat, Mentor: Malú Tansey, Ph.D., Emory University Augmented Beta Rectangular Regression Models: A Bayesian Perspective Eastern North American Region International Biometric Society Spring Meeting Jue Wang, Mentor: Sheng Luo, Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston The Neuroprotective Potential of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in an Alpha-synuclein Overexpression Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease 19th International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders David Luke Fischer, Mentor: Caryl E. Sortwell, Ph.D., Michigan State University Does Anxiety Compete for Processing Resources During Walking and a Dual-task in Parkinson’s? International Society for Posture and Gait Research Congress Brittany Intzandt, Mentor: Quincy J. Almeida, M.Sc., Ph.D., Wilfrid Laurier University The Role of DJ-1 in Grx1 Mediated Dopaminergic Neuronal Protection Gordon Conference on Oxidative Stress and Disease William Johnson, Mentor: John Mieyal, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University Genetic Variation and Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease Patients from Uruguay 19th International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Andrés Lescano, M.D., Mentor: Ignacio Fernandez Mata, Ph.D., University of Washington rAAV-mediated Regulation of Striatal Nurr1 Expression Alters Development and Severity of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in the 6OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson’s 18th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Rhyomi Sellnow, Mentor: Fredric P. Manfredsson, Ph.D., Michigan State University * Denotes a second year of funding ** Denotes second year of funding of a three-year award | grants.pdf.org SU M M ER 2 015 PD F NE WS & REVIEW | 7 Science News | Potential Neuroprotective Therapy* | Continued from page 1 the dopamine neurons that are lost in PD — grow and connect to each other. In fact, earlier studies of PDGF showed that the growth factor restored dopamine activity and lessened PD-like motor symptoms in animals. In this new study, researchers led by Anders Haegerstrand, M.D., Ph.D., at Newron Sweden AB, tested the safety of PDGF in human volunteers. Twelve people with moderate PD were divided into four treatment groups. The groups received either a form of PDGF (PDGF-BB) directly into the brain in one of three doses (0.2, 1.5 or 5 micrograms), or a placebo (an inactive substance), every day for 12 days. Participants’ brains were scanned with PET before treatment and after four months. Results • All participants completed the study. None had adverse effects attributable to PDGF-BB. • All participants, including those who received placebo, improved their scores on the standard UPDRS Breath Test* | Continued from page 1 Hossam Haick, Ph.D., and Samih Badarny, M.D., at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, in Haifa, analyzed molecules in the breath of 97 people — 44 people with PD, 16 people with a variety of Parkinson’s plus syndromes and 37 healthy individuals. Two breath samples from each participant were passed over an “electronic nose,” a sensor called a nanoarray. The presence and quantity of certain molecules create a breath “signature.” The researchers followed participants for three years after the breath tests. Results • About 88 percent of the time, the breath test correctly distinguished study participants who had a diagnosis of Parkinsonism from those who had other PD plus conditions. scale of symptoms by a clinically significant amount (about 4.5 points). • PET scans 90 days after treatment revealed a slight increase in dopamine activity in participants who received PDGF-BB but not in those who received placebo. What Does It Mean? This study is the first to test PDGF-BB in humans and its primary purpose was to establish the drug’s safety. While it showed that the growth factor can be used safely in people with PD, it does not yet support any conclusions about the treatment’s potential to protect neurons and raise dopamine levels in PD, for which additional and larger trials are needed. Further study is also needed to understand how PDGF works. When clinical trials of a different growth factor, called GDNF, were conducted in PD a decade ago, the results were disappointing and safety concerns were raised. However, scientists have learned from this failure and there remains hope that growth factors may prove effective at combating PD. • A bout 85 percent of the time, breath analysis correctly distinguished between people who had Parkinson’s plus syndromes and healthy individuals. What Does It Mean? The new study suggests the possibility that our breath may offer a simple, noninvasive way to distinguish PD from syndromes with similar symptoms. Studies with larger numbers of participants will be needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn, but it seems from this preliminary study that the breath of people with PD contains higher-than-normal concentrations of several chemical compounds. This knowledge may help scientists to better understand how changes in a person’s metabolism lead to changes in the breath, which in turn may provide some new avenues for creating tests to identify and differentiate PD from other conditions. More Science News on PDF.org • Scientists Identify a New Parkinson’s Disease Gene • Parkinson’s Affects Both Lowand High-Contrast Vision * To read the full summaries of these two stories, visit www.pdf.org/science_news. 8 | PAR K IN SO N ’S D IS E A S E F O U NDAT I O N www.pdf.org/science_news PDF News | Meet the Newest Members of PDF’s Advisory Council The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is pleased to introduce the newest members of its People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council. PDF created this council in 2006 to ensure that the perspectives of the people living with the disease are integrated into our work. The council is made up of individuals from around the US — all of whom live with Parkinson’s or are care partners — who bring the professional skills and personal experiences to advance PDF’s goals of supporting families and ending the disease. Meet our newest members and learn what motivates them to work with PDF. “We all live unique PD stories. As someone who is bilingual and bicultural, I am interested in working with PDF to ensure that people with Parkinson’s are able to articulate our experiences to our health teams, to have greater influence over our care and achieve better quality of life.” Julio Angulo, Ph.D., Mesa, AZ Dr. Angulo is a retired clinical and forensic psychologist who ran his own private practice for more than 30 years. “Parkinson’s disease forced me to give up my first career in science. But I found a second one — working with PDF to ensure that people with Parkinson’s disease are informed about scientific research and involved in clinical studies.” Girija Muralidhar, Ph.D., Poway, CA Dr. Muralidhar is a retired research scientist who worked in the field of immunology for 30 years to develop new vaccines and treatments. “I have come to see my diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease as an opportunity to give back. Given my professional experience in leadership development, I am excited to work with PDF in supporting the scientists, health professionals and patient advocates who are shaping the future of research and care.” Daniel Novak, Ph.D., Fort Worth, TX Dr. Novak is a leadership consultant, executive coach and assistant professor of business administration who spent 30 years in executive roles at IBM. “My recent diagnosis shed light on the challenges of living with a chronic disease in a rural community. I am enthusiastic about working with PDF to bring information and support to people with Parkinson’s and care partners who reside in rural or remote areas.” A.C. Woolnough, Sandpoint, ID Mr. Woolnough is a retired high school principal and English teacher with more than 35 years of experience in Alaska, California and Idaho. “In my first year living with PD, it has become clear to me that so many of us are hungry for information after our diagnoses, but do not know where to look. I look forward to helping PDF advance its educational programs to share information with those who need it most.” Alan B. Zimmerman, Knoxville, TN Mr. Zimmerman is a veteran of the US Navy, and a retired real estate broker and small business owner. We thank our departing members for their years of service, friendship and dedication: Christine Colón, M.S., L.C.G.C., Maria De Leon, M.D., Thomas A. Palizzi, Marc Sherman, J.D., Fred Woodlief, D.D.S. See the latest council list on page 12 or by visiting www.pdf.org/ppac. SU M M ER 2 015 PD F NE WS & REVIEW | 9 PDF News & Events | Made a Difference During Y U Parkinson’s Awareness Month April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month! How Join the fight at www.pdf.org can make a difference! Row 1: Marilyn and Bill Wilson with fellow PDF Research Advocates Joel Davis and Sarah Shed (Jacksonville, FL); PDF Research Advocate Jane Gaydos and friends; Ms. Gaydos’ PD awareness display (Cleveland, OH); PDF Research Advocate Jane Denmark and Roger Aubrey, P.T. (Bay Minette, AL); Mabel Johnson, designer of PDF’s awareness t-shirt, with PDF President Robin Elliott and advisory council members Maria De Leon, M.D., and Karen Smith (New York, NY). Row 2: PDF Champion Ray Parhad at the Flying Pig Marathon (Cincinnati, OH); The Mid-Hudson PD Support Group at its annual Walk Over Water (Poughkeepsie, NY); PDF Champion Michael Scire at the NYC Half Marathon (New York, NY); PDF Champion Jean Everett at Stomp for Parkinson’s (Athens, TX); Carol Buttenham in support of David G. Smith’s fundraiser (Nashville, TN). Row 3: PDF Research Advocates John Tomeny (left) and Tom Shiftan (third from left) and Barbara Rembiesa (center), CEO of the International Assn. of Information Technology Asset Managers (San Diego, CA); PDF’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council (New York, NY); PDF Research Advocate Greg Hardoby (Rahway, NJ); PDF Champion Gene Ginsberg, M.D., at piano recital for PD (Sarasota, FL); PDF Champion Angela Bradshaw’s country music concert fundraiser (Lumpkin, GA). Where in the World is the PDF Tree Ribbon? During April, many members of the PD community shared photos of the PDF tree ribbon in action. Below are just a few of the touching and creative photos sent to PDF from across the US (from San Francisco to New York City) and from around the world (from Iceland to New Zealand!). Thank you for inspiring the community and raising awareness around the globe. From left to right: Row 1: Debbie Zierzewski Sawdy, Cynthia Grinspan (Iceland), April and Mitch Lechelt, Kirby family (Pennsylvania), Nicole Anderson (North Dakota); Row 2: Jen and Lola (Illinois), Bonny Snyder, Val Wicker (Arizona), Erin Prohaska Coltvet (Maine), Shannon Griffin Weick (Minnesota). 10 | PARK IN SO N ’S D I S E A S E F O U NDAT I O N PDF News & Events | Volunteers Raise More Than $170,000 by Celebrating Spring & Hosting Cocktails for the Cause On March 4, Co-Chairs Stephanie Goldman-Pittel, Amy Sole and Doug Stern, welcomed 100 guests to An Evening of Vodka Tasting at Harvest Bistro & Bar in Closter, NJ, raising $27,000. On April 1, PDF and the Young New Yorkers for the Fight Against Parkinson’s committee led by Co-Chairs G. Pennington Egbert III, Gregory and Barbara Romero, Jonathan E. Romero, Jr., Missy Egbert Sheehan and William B. Sheehan, welcomed 300 supporters to the eighth annual Celebrate Spring New York at TAO Downtown, raising $91,000. On April 24, PDF and a committee of young professionals led by Co-Chairs Rehana Ashraf, Kate Evans and Anne Greene, welcomed over 175 guests to From left to right: Amy Sole, Doug Stern, Stephanie Goldman-Pittel; Jonathan E. the third annual Celebrate Spring Boston at The Romero Jr., Missy Egbert Sheehan, G. Pennington Egbert III, Barbara Romero, Gregory Romero; Anne Greene, Kate Evans, Rehana Ashraf. Liberty Hotel, raising more than $53,000. PDF Announces Expansion of Scientific Advisory Board On March 12, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) announced the expansion of its Scientific Advisory Board, led by Stanley Fahn, M.D., PDF Scientific Director and Emeritus Chief of Movement Disorders at the PDF Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center. New members include Un Jung Kang, M.D., H. Houston Merritt Professor of Neurology and Chief of Movement Disorders at the Columbia University Medical Center; Matthew J. LaVoie, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases and Harvard Medical School; and Margaret E. Rice, Ph.D., Professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience and Physiology at the NYU School of Medicine. In addition, current member Kathleen M. Shannon, M.D., Professor of Neurological Sciences at Rush Medical College, was appointed as Chair of PDF’s Medical Policy Committee, a committee of the Scientific Advisory Board. To see From left to right: Un Jung Kang, M.D.; Matthew J. LaVoie, Ph.D.; Margaret E. Rice, Ph.D.; the full list, visit www.pdf.org/sab. Kathleen M. Shannon, M.D. PDF-Supported Scientists on the Move In May, a group of 26 graduate and postdoctoral students and junior neurologists gathered for a four-day course on movement disorders in White Plains, NY, funded in part by PDF and led by The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. On April 23, PDF and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) presented their 15th annual lectureship in movement disorders to Christopher G. Goetz, M.D., at the AAN Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. At the same meeting, David B. Fischer, of Harvard University, recipient of the PDF-HHMI Medical Research Fellowship, presented his poster on transcranial direct current stimulation for PD (mentor: Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D.). In February, George Kannarkat of Emory University School of Medicine used his PDF Student Travel Award to present a poster on the role of the inflammation in PD at the Keystone Inflammation Conference in Taos, NM (mentor Malú G. From left to right: Students at PDF-sponsored course; Christopher G. Goetz (fourth from left) with Alfonso Fasano, M.D., Ph.D., Tansey, Ph.D.). Un Jung Kang, M.D., PDF Research Advocate Pat Davies and David Vaillancourt, Ph.D.; David Fischer; George Kannarkat. Photo Credits: Page 10 row 3 photo 5 Country Music Concert (Credit-kWr Photography); Page 11 row 1 photo 1 Celebrate Spring NY Co-Chairs (CreditSylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan); row 1 photo 2 Celebrate Spring Boston Co-Chairs (Credit-Michael Blanchard Photography) SU M M ER 2 015 PD F NE W S & REVIEW | 11 Summer 2015 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509 | New York, NY 10018 Do you have questions about Parkinson’s disease? PARKINSON’S HELPLINE (800) 457-6676 | [email protected] Find answers, support and resources. Order free educational materials for you, your loved one and patients. Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET Interpreters available in more than 200 languages. Community | Commitment | Impact Supporting the research and ideas that will improve the lives and futures of people touched by Parkinson’s. Stay Connected (800) 457-6676 pdf.org/facebook pdf.org/twitter pdf.org/blog pdf.org/flickr pdf.org/youtube Support Us support.pdf.org Disclaimer If you have or believe you have Parkinson’s disease, then promptly consult a physician and follow your physician’s advice. This publication is not a substitute for a physician’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease or for a physician’s prescription of drugs, treatment or operations for Parkinson’s disease. ©2015 Parkinson’s Disease Foundation PDF Board of Directors Officers People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council Marie D. Schwartz Domna Stanton, Ph.D. Melvin S. Taub Scientific Editor Founding Chairs Christiana M. Evers Julio Angulo, Ph.D. Claire Berman Howard D. Morgan Chair Elaine Casavant, R.N. Constance W. Atwell, Ph.D. Vice Chair Diane Cook Stephen Ackerman Treasurer Carol Fox Isobel Robins Konecky Secretary Anthony Geraci, M.D. Scientific Director Stanley Fahn, M.D. Nan Little, Ph.D. Directors Linda M. Morgan, M.B.A., R.Ph. (Chair) Karen Elizabeth Burke, M.D., Ph.D. Girija Muralidhar, Ph.D. Peter Dorn Daniel Novak, Ph.D. George Pennington Egbert III Jay Phillips Richard D. Field Marilyn Phillips, P.T. Stephanie Goldman-Pittel Judi Sechter Arlene Levine Karen Smith (Vice Chair) Marshall Loeb A.C. Woolnough Linda M. Morgan, M.B.A., R.Ph. Alan B. Zimmerman Timothy A. Pedley, M.D. President Gregory Romero Robin Anthony Elliott Lewis P. Rowland, M.D., President Emeritus William Black Page Morton Black Blair Ford, M.D. Editor Managing Editor Melissa Barry Staff Writer Margaret DeJesus please recycle